NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

At this point I'd like to move on the agenda to the Chair's Report. While the past two months have not included a Commission meeting they have indeed, been busy ones nevertheless. I want to thank those commissioners and their staffs who have been involved in the Research Subcommittee and the development of the rules. There are many individuals who are so anxious for this Commission to produce something of use that they overlook the many steps that are necessary for us to get there.

I think that we are on track in these areas and want to recognize the many hours that have been put in by commissioners to get us where we are today. We continue to work to resolve some of the vexing administrative details about which no Federal agency seems to have a ready answer.

From ethics rules to procurement rules related to the research contract we've endeavored to adhere to rules generally applicable to the agencies of the Executive Branch. Nevertheless, certain issues remain unresolved because of the unique status of this Commission.

As I indicated to you previously, I have spent considerable time, first to identify legal counsel within the government, and failing to do so, from the private sector. Obviously, having legal assistance from the Department of Justice would be very helpful, but Justice made it clear that it does not believe that to be an appropriate role for that agency.

I've compiled a list of former high-level Justice or Congressional attorneys practicing in Washington, and selected George Terwilliger to provide counsel to the Commission for matters not covered under our Memorandum of Understanding.

I first worked with George when he was deputy attorney general of the United States under President Bush. In this position he was responsible for managing the nations's United States Attorneys, directing the formulation and implementation of legal policy for the Federal Government, and overseeing much of the department's efforts to reduce illegal drug trafficking.

Prior to this he served as the United States Attorney for Vermont, and as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. George is currently the partner in charge of the Washington office of McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe; he's well- known among private and public sector attorneys for his exemplary ethics and personal integrity, his love and knowledge of the law and the wealth of relevant experience also that he possesses.

And we're very fortunate to have George Terwilliger with us here today.

MR. TERWILLIGER: Thank you, Kay; that's awful kind.

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: On behalf of the Commission, welcome.

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce some members of the Commission staff. Please note that you will find Commission member's detailed staff information in Appendix C of the briefing materials.

And although some Commissioners have already had the opportunity to work directly and become familiar with some staff during prior Commission meetings, subcommittee meetings, and through general contact at the Commission office or over the phone, I'd like to take the time to formally introduce all of them to you now.

Previously, you were introduced to Mark Bogdan, our administrative officer -- Mark is right over here -- and Deborah DuCre, who is the voice you hear on the line when you call. Deborah, if you can just walk in, say hello. I think that most of the commissioners have had a chance to meet Dr. Tim Kelly who is the research director; that's Dr. Kelly over here.

Additional staff include Tim Bidwill as a special assistant. Is Tim about, anywhere? He is not? He's probably off xeroxing or running errands. Tim is a recent graduate of Georgetown Law School and worked for the House Crime Subcommittee. Allison Flatt is a policy analyst who's seated right over here. Allison, also an attorney, worked for the National Association of Attorneys General where she edited the newsletter for states on Internet gambling.

Amy Ricketts -- is Amy in the room? Amy is in the back right over here -- is our communications assistant, and Amy has worked on Capitol Hill for a number of years, including the House Republican Conference and the Heritage Foundation.

I hope that all of you have had the opportunity to meet or talk with them individually by now, and appreciate all of their hard work in getting us to this point.